Frans Verstappen revives good old days in Montfort

Published on 28 March 2015 by Mike Motilall

Frans Verstappen, Jos’ father and Max’ grandfather, wants to revive past times in Montfort. Next to his ice cream parlor, he has made a pavilion where this Sunday, the Malaysian Grand Prix can be watched. Just like in Jos’ Formula 1-days, when Frans ran café De Rotonde.

While they are finishing up building and decorating the location, Frans recounts: “This is Max’ first race we are going to watch live, together with all the fans. But if approval of the required permits is favorable, I intend to host the remaining 18 Grands Prix, this means also the afternoon races in Europe. I am very happy that the city gave their permission for the Malaysian race, which will start at 9 o’clock Dutch time.”

In the large pavilion, next to his ice cream parlor, located at the roundabout in Montfort, numerous TV sets of almost 6 ft. in size, will be put up. Ensuring that everybody can watch and follow everything. Together with the sound system, Red Bull decoration and the large banner of Max, Frans is doing everything to commemorate past times.

“When Jos was driving in the Formula 1, Montfort was a place of pilgrimage", Frans remembers. “Especially in the early years it was a madhouse. Back then, the entire street was closed off and there was a large tent running across the length of it. I had eighteen TV sets and the crowd numbered two to three thousand. This was definitely the case during the races in Hungary and Belgium, where Jos finished third. After that, it was a complete mayhem, the whole roundabout was jam-packed. Jos brought that about and it is my belief that Max will stir up even more.”

After having done away with café De Rotonde, Frans also gave up his permit. Despite that, Sunday morning promises to be a great party, albeit alcohol free, that is what grandpa Verstappen believes: “We are doing this all by ourselves, with friends, family and people that support Max. Everything here revolves around Jos and Max. I am the most proud grandpa in Holland, rather yet… the world. I have never hidden that”, concludes Frans, with a genuine shaky voice.